Item Type Metadata

Transcribe words as they are spelled or abbreviated. Resist the temptation to correct what you see in the document, and do not correct spelling or grammar mistakes.

Do not transcribe text that has been crossed out.

Do not transcribe hyphens or spaces in words that occur at line breaks.

Indicate if you can’t decipher a word. If you are unsure of a word or phrase, please use [illegible], or your best guess followed by a question mark within brackets [Chattanooga?], or even [town?] or [name?].

Make a note of sketches or non-textual images on the page.When you see a sketch or picture on the page, please use the word "image" placed in double brackets: [[image]] – you may also describe the sketch like [[bird – image]].

Transcribe simple forms. Please try to transcribe all elements of the document, including typewritten text that may appear in a table, form, etc. Don’t worry about formatting the transcription. If a page is entirely typewritten, do not transcribe it.

Consider the context. If you’re having trouble with a word or passage, read “around” it and think about what a likely word would be, or look for other letters and spellings in the document that are similar.

Indicate when there are multiple pages.If an image has two pages: when you reach the bottom of the first page, write [[end page]]. Then write [[start page]] and continue transcribing.

Tips adapted from the Smithsonian Institution's Transcription Center and the University of Iowa Libraries' DIY History initiative.